Tennessee requires you to visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency to replace a lost license

You cannot replace a lost Tennessee driver's license by mail or online. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires you to appear at a Driver Services office with specific documents, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all driving purposes — it satisfies traffic stops, rental car agencies, and insurance verification.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a government-issued ID and proof of Tennessee residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days at the office.
  • Your permanent license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days and is valid for the remainder of your original license term.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until you resolve the suspension or revocation status first.

Documents you need to bring to a Driver Services office

Bring one government-issued photo ID (a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license) and one proof of Tennessee residency. Residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your current Tennessee address.

If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can bring two other forms of ID instead, such as a school ID and a credit card, but one must have your photo.

Where to find a Driver Services office and what to expect

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few locations offer Saturday hours — check the website for your specific office.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. You can also call your local office to ask about current wait times before you go. Bring all documents with you; staff will not accept incomplete applications and you will have to return another day.

The $27.50 replacement fee and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is $27.50. Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming. If you cannot afford the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the replacement that day — there is no payment plan or deferral option.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license card. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is included in this fee and does not cost extra.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Tennessee license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support — you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The Driver Services office will tell you when ready if your record shows a suspension or revocation when you arrive.

Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to clear it. For suspensions related to unpaid fines or child support, you will need to pay or make a payment arrangement. For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete a substance abuse program or install an ignition interlock device. Medical suspensions require clearance from a doctor. Once the suspension is resolved, you can return to replace your license.

Your temporary paper license and what it covers

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days and works for all driving purposes. Police will accept it during traffic stops, rental car companies will accept it, and your insurance company will recognize it as valid proof of licensure. Do not laminate it or write on it — keep it in good condition in case you are stopped before your permanent card arrives.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to report it. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. If you lose the temporary paper license before your permanent card arrives, return to the Driver Services office and request a replacement temporary license — there is no additional fee.

If you need your license before the permanent card arrives

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and covers all driving needs while you wait for the permanent card. You do not need to request anything extra or pay for expedited mail. If you are traveling out of state and need a physical card before 7 to 10 days have passed, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to ask about options, though they cannot may provide faster delivery through standard mail.

If you are moving out of Tennessee before your permanent license arrives, contact the Department of Safety with your new address so the card is forwarded correctly. Provide your new address in writing or by phone to may support it reaches you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office with photo ID and proof of residency. You cannot complete a replacement by mail, online, or through a third-party service.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

You can bring two other forms of ID instead, as long as one has your photo. Examples include a school ID with your photo and a credit card, or a passport card and a utility bill. Call your local Driver Services office if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have the physical card before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive, contact the Department of Safety to report it.

What if my name changed since I got my original license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will update your name on your new license at the same time you replace it.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing a required program, or clearing a medical hold. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out what is required to lift your suspension, then return to replace your license once it is cleared.